The Connect x Finance Brunch, hosted by TECH 241 in Libreville on December 17, 2024, gathered over 100 influential figures from Gabon‘s tech and finance sectors, including Minister of the Digital Economy, Bonjean Rodrigue Mandza. This inaugural event aimed to foster collaboration between startups, investors, and policymakers to enhance innovation in the region. Key discussions, such as the plenary on “Financing Technological Innovation in Gabon,” featured industry leaders like Malika Deaken and Ulrich Gambigha, who addressed the challenges and opportunities for startup funding. A standout session,the “Reverse Pitch Investor,” allowed prominent investors to share their criteria,equipping startups with vital insights to improve their funding strategies. With its success, TECH 241 plans to make this brunch a staple in Gabon’s economic and digital landscape.
Q&A: Exploring the impact of the Connect x Finance Brunch on Gabon’s tech and Finance Sectors
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The recent Connect x Finance Brunch held on December 17, 2024, in Libreville was a meaningful event. Can you describe the overall atmosphere and purpose of the gathering?
expert: Absolutely! The Connect x Finance Brunch organized by TECH 241 brought together over 100 key figures from Gabon’s tech and finance sectors. The atmosphere was one of excitement and potential, wiht the aim of fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and policymakers. This inaugural event represented a major step towards enhancing innovation in Gabon, as it laid the groundwork for future engagement between these vital sectors.
Editor: One of the highlights was the plenary on “Financing Technological Innovation in Gabon.” what were some of the key challenges and opportunities discussed?
Expert: The plenary featured insights from industry leaders like Malika Deaken and Ulrich gambigha. They emphasized the dual nature of challenges and opportunities. On one hand, ther’s a critical need for more accessible funding for startups, particularly in a developing market like Gabon. On the other hand, there’s a growing recognition among investors about the untapped potential in the region. Innovators and entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to leverage technology to solve local problems, which makes gabon an attractive destination for investment.
Editor: The “Reverse Pitch Investor” session sounds intriguing. How did it benefit startups looking for funding?
Expert: The “Reverse Pitch Investor” session was indeed a standout moment.Prominent investors shared their funding criteria and expectations, demystifying the investment process for startups. This direct interaction provided invaluable insights, allowing startups to tailor their pitches more effectively.By understanding what investors are looking for, startups can refine their strategies, making their cases stronger and more relevant.
Editor: Considering the success of the event, what are the broader implications for Gabon’s economic and digital landscape?
Expert: The Connect x Finance brunch represents a pivotal moment for Gabon’s economic growth and digital change. With TECH 241 planning to make this event a staple, we are likely to see ongoing dialogues that bridge the gap between tech innovation and financial support. As startups gain access to both funding and mentorship, we can expect a surge in technological innovation, which can drive economic progress and create jobs in the region.
Editor: For aspiring entrepreneurs in Gabon’s tech scene, what practical advice can you share based on the discussions at the brunch?
Expert: My advice would be to actively engage with the investment community and seek feedback regularly. The insights shared during sessions like the Reverse Pitch Investor emphasized the importance of understanding investor perspectives. Entrepreneurs should also build networks within the ecosystem, attend events, and participate in discussions to learn continuously about market trends and funding opportunities. It’s essential to be adaptable and to iterate on ideas based on feedback from both peers and investors.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights on the Connect x Finance Brunch and its potential impact on Gabon’s innovation landscape. it’s exciting to witness such collaboration in the region!
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Gabon, and I look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the near future.